The Skylarks 3K Race April 22nd 2015
After two days of sunshine, Wednesday was cloudy all day, but at 6.30 the sun suddenly came out in time for The Friends' 3 kilometre race that evening. As the helpers arrived to set up the event, the first keen competitors came to register, and from then up to the scheduled start time of 7.30 p.m. the pavilion was bustling with runners.Outside, although the sun was shining, there was a keen wind blowing, which was keeping it pleasantly cool for the competitors. The runners could be seen doing an assortment of exercises, including some who set off around the course to warm up! The entries included a devotee of the sport of caniX, in which the runners are harnessed to their dog.
The detailed results can be viewed here. There were 77 runners, which is the largest number since Peter Bates, from the Pitsea Running Club and FoWCP Committee Member, started organising this event for us 10 years ago. The race proceeded on the usual route, which covers most of the main paths around the Park, with the winner crossing the line in under 10 minutes. As the last runners finished the sun was just setting over the trees on another successful event.
Not for the first time, the first Male home was Crispan Bloomfield of Billericay Striders in 9.47, very close to last year's winning time of 9.42! Second male home was Sam Nigh of Team Eversley in 10.26 in 2nd place overall, and the third male was Keiran McGill, of Benfleet Running Club, in 10.35, making him 4th overall.
The Women were not to be outdone. First home was Hayley Pegg, from Chelmsford Athletics Club, in 12.34, putting her in 12th place overall. Close on her heels was the second female, and overall 14th, Amanda Stevens in 12.41; she is not currently attached to a club. Third female home was Abigail Morgan from Tiptree Road Runners, who ran 13.32, putting her in 19th place overall.
The Boys section for those aged 16 and under, saw some really excellent performances. First boy home was Sam Hirata Flannigan, aged 16, who ran a fast 10.35, putting him in 3rd place overall! Sam is not attached to any club at present but perhaps one will snap him up soon? Second boy home was Joe Payne, aged 16, who runs for Basildon Athletics Club who also completed a good run in 11.41, putting him in 6th place overall. Third boy was Freddy Taiani, of Team Eversley, who ran a time of 12.30 at the young age of 10, putting him in 11th place overall!
Phoebe Oliver, running for Team Eversley, was first in the Girls section; Phoebe was just 9 years old, and ran in 16.45. Second girl was Kate Cook, aged 12, and from the Essex Tri Club and who ran the course in 17.33 to come in 50th overall. Third girl home was Kelsey Clarke, aged 11, who completed in 17.54 to achieve a creditable overall placing of 54th.
Finally mention must be made of the last two entrants to finish. Former committee members Trudie and Hilary chose to power-walk the course, yet they still finished within 9 minutes of the slowest runner!
Altogether, this was a great evening race.
Contributed by Richard Rowsell